THE CITIZENS' LEAGUE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9475, 25 March 1911, Page 7

THE CITIZENS' LEAGUE.

(To the Editor,]

Sir—Tho formation of tho Citizens' Ijeaguo appears to bo tho subject of a certain amount of discussion, and even a certain amount of controversy is noticeable., it being held by many that it originated or took its rise among the ranb of a few irresponsible individuals, for obvious roasons, and with ulterior motives in view. Sir, there need bo no alarm or the least apprehension felt, the remarkable part of it being that those who aro up in arms against it evidently have not followed closely the past history of the town; or they would know that ono of tho characteristics of Palmerston is as follows: No organisation_or society will ever assume any gigantic proportions owing to there being no cohesion, combination, or any permanency; one and all are doomed to a short term or lease of life, and full of trouble at that. Comparisons aro odious, but I will' point out the incongruity of some defunct societies to substantiate my assertions. Take the Y.M.C.A., the Fruit-growers' Association, the Horticultural Society (which is in the throes of death), Ratepayers' Association, the apathy oven extending into sporting life. When once tho novelty has worn off any movement hero it is discarded liko a child with a toy, consequently that will be the inevitable end of tho'League. The writer attended ono meeting, and did not perceive any planks of tho platform that any unbiassed or sane man could take exception to. To my mind everything was in order and sound in every detail, but from roasons I havo ascribed it_ will foon pass liko any other organisation m this town into oblivion, collapse with its own weight, having accomplished neither good nor harm. New ones will bo resurrected, and in turn pass out, 1 givo tho foregoing in order to calm tho emotions, and soothe the hostile _ feelings which are entertained, perhaps ignorantly, against the Citizens' League—l am, etc.,. RATEPAYER. Palmerston North, March 25.